Every step toward that house felt like I was walking back into a grave I had somehow escaped.
The headlights of Ethan’s car had disappeared far behind me. I had made everyone stay back and promise to call me as soon as daylight broke, even if it meant I had to walk straight into a trap alone.
The Vance estate stood ahead of me, silent and dark. Only one window was lit, the study where everything had begun.
I held my phone in one hand and Dad’s notebook in the other. My breathing was fast and uneven as I approached the house.
The front door was slightly open, as if someone had been waiting for me.
I pushed it and stepped inside.
The hallway was completely silent. There were no guards, no shouting, and no sign of anyone moving around. The only sound was the slow ticking of a grandfathe
